Error Message: Unexpected DOS Error 11 (166071)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q166071

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run a program in Windows NT, you may receive the following error message:
Unexpected DOS error 11

CAUSE

Using the "NET HELPMSG 11" command returns the following information: 
   An attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format.

This type of error message can be caused by trying to install the wrong Service Pack for the version of Windows NT running on the computer. (For example, trying to install a Service Pack for Windows NT 3.51 on a Windows NT 3.5-based computer.)

RESOLUTION

Check the build or version of Windows NT running on the computer and run the correct version of the program for the version of Windows NT you are using.

For additional information, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: 140642
TITLE : Err Msg: Unexpected DOS Error 11 Using Server Tools

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/14/2003
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg KB166071
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.